Virtual Relationships and Parasocial Relationships

Not all relationships are conducted face-to-face. The rise of internet-mediated communication has led to new forms of relationship, while the ubiquity of media has generated interest in parasocial relationships — one-sided attachments to media figures. This lesson examines how relationships form and develop online, and why people develop attachments to celebrities and fictional characters.

Key Definition: A virtual relationship (or computer-mediated communication, CMC) is a relationship that is primarily conducted through online channels — such as social media, dating apps, email, or forums — rather than face-to-face.

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Virtual Relationships

Self-Disclosure in Online Relationships

One of the most striking features of virtual relationships is that people often disclose more about themselves online than they would face-to-face. This phenomenon is known as the online disinhibition effect (Suler, 2004).

Reasons for increased self-disclosure online include:

• Anonymity — people feel less vulnerable when their identity is partially hidden.
• Reduced social cues — the absence of facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice reduces the fear of immediate judgement.
• Asynchronous communication — people have time to carefully construct their messages, rather than responding in real time.